While forgiveness is essential, “there are situations where separation is inevitable, even morally necessary, when it comes to protecting oneself or children from serious harm.”

In a deeply personal letter, Pope Francis responds to a woman suffering from infidelity in her marriage, offering guidance on forgiveness, dignity, and the journey to healing.

The Vatican’s new magazine, Piazza San Pietro, continues to foster an intimate dialogue between Pope Francis and the faithful. In its latest issue, the Pope replies to Catia, an Italian woman grappling with the pain of her husband’s betrayal.

Catia writes with raw honesty about her struggle:

“I discovered my husband was unfaithful for over a year. He says he wasn’t ready for a child, yet he deceived me, even in our own home.

He now prays with me and comes to Mass, but how do I forgive when the memories still haunt me? I love him, but I feel wounded, humiliated, and lost.

I only ask for a sign — something to show that forgiving the unforgivable is right, that I have not lost my dignity, and that God is with me.”

Forgiveness is not the only answer

In his reply, Pope Francis acknowledges that “forgiving is never easy, especially when one has been betrayed in love, in words, in trust.”

He reassures her that Jesus calls believers to forgive, but he also makes an important distinction:

“Forgiveness is a free and personal act, rooted in grace and God’s love. But it is separate from the journey of a marriage.”

Francis warns against confusing forgiveness with remaining in a marriage at any cost. He cites Amoris Laetitia, his exhortation on family life, which affirms that while forgiveness is essential, “there are situations where separation is inevitable, even morally necessary, when it comes to protecting oneself or children from serious harm.”

Rebuilding love with patience

However, the Pope also offers Catia a path forward. He encourages her to invite her husband to embark on “a journey of accompaniment” — seeking guidance from a Christian couple who supports marriages in crisis, attending counseling, and finding a community that fosters healing.

He reminds her that “love in marriage must always be renewed by looking at Jesus, at Mary, at St. Paul’s hymn of charity. If there is love, love can have patience, mend, and repair.”

A sign of hope

Francis gently suggests that perhaps this path of healing is the very sign Catia is looking for:

“It won’t be easy, but it is possible to experience a true conversion of marriage. Nothing is impossible for God.

Ending on a personal note, the Pope assures her of his prayers: “Let’s hope your husband embraces this path. If love is still present, love can heal every wound and restore a marriage. I will pray for you, Catia. Please, don’t forget to pray for me.”

A message for struggling couples

This exchange reflects Pope Francis’ pastoral wisdom — encouraging forgiveness while affirming personal dignity. His response does not pressure Catia to stay in a harmful situation but rather invites her to discern a path where both love and truth can thrive.

For those facing similar struggles, the Pope’s words offer both challenge and consolation: Forgiveness is not about erasing the past but about opening the door to healing — whether through reconciliation or the courage to set boundaries when needed.